Kick up a Storm in The Windy City
KitKatluvr2
Living just a few short hours from Chicago, I jump at every chance I get to go!
21 Jun 2006
based on 9 votes
How to pack a whole summer's worth of fun into just 3 full days!
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Chicago
- Category: Best of
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors, Sports buffs, Theater, Beachgoers
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with teenagers, Seniors, Students, Tourists
- Seasons: Summer
- Tags: fun, local favorites, big city, sports, beach
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1. Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers
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Ave price:
$219
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First things first! Check in to a room with a view! The view gets better as evening rolls around and you see the lights of Chicago beckoning you. Unload the luggage, put on your walking shoes and head up to Grand Avenue toward the Navy Pier. |
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| A Chicago landmark since 1916, the pier offers fun for all. Whether your pleasure is shopping, a leisurely stroll through the vast indoor botanical gardens of Crystal Gardens, taking in an IMAX movie, or playing miniature golf, you'll find it here. The East end is where you'll find breathtaking views of the skyline and the lakefront. Before you go, don't forget to take a ride on the famed ferris wheel or the grand carousel! |
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| If all that walking at the Navy Pier has left you with an appetite, just hail a friendly cab driver and set your sights for Grant Park. From June 30th through July 9th, Hyde Park hosts the popular "Taste of Chicago". If you've never been to one of these, you'll be in for a real treat! Over 60 vendors show off Chicago favorites and ethnic specialties in sample size portions, which are given in exchange for tickets that you purchase upon entry. It's a great way to sample a variety of different menu items from many of Chicago's most desired eateries. From hot dogs to cheesecake, there's no way you'll walk away from this festivity without discovering a great new place to eat, and if you're not careful - a very full stomach in the process! Let's call it the end of day 1 and head back to the hotel where you can prop your feet up. |
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| After sleeping off yesterday's over-indulgences, can you think of any better way to spend a day than at the beach? A little swimming, a little napping, and definitely some people watching! Inside Hyde Park you'll find 12th Street beach, a clean, safe and friendly place with all types of people. This ain't South Beach; you won't see anything here except families, a sprinkling of sun-bathers, beach readers and lifeguards. Or, if you head up to the east end of the beach and climb the concrete wall steps, you have a good chance of seeing some local divers. Also guarded, the water here is refreshing and deep! After a full day in the sun, head on to Murphy's for some fine American cuisine and perhaps a cold beer or two. |
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| If you like the camaraderie of a local watering hole and the sport of baseball, this is the place for you. Murphy's boasts rooftop seating that looks out onto Wrigley Field! Can you believe it? A true sports bar, there are plenty of televisions tuned into sports from around the world. As if that weren't enough, add daily drink and food specials to the menu and you've got yourself a new Chicago favorite. Cheers! |
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6. Museum of Science and Industry
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| It's day three of our trip and I can't believe how much fun it's been! We're not done yet, there's much more fun in store. Head down Lakeshore to 57th Street and spend the day at this museum. This place has over 350,000 square feet of exhibits; from a huge model railroad to the Apollo 8 Spacecraft. It'sabsolutely impossible to get bored here! Grab a light lunch and see how much space you can cover in one day! |
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| After the museum, it wouldn't be a true Chicago trip without a stop at Portillo's. The great part about Portillo's is that in some locations, you get two restaurants in one! Portillo's is home to the famous Chicago hot dog. Make sure you get a loaded dog - with mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, a kosher pickle and peppers! These are the best dogs I have ever had! Simply the best! If you prefer to keep it "light", try the Chicken Pecan Salad or the Garbage Salad. You can opt out of the sandwiches altogether, and head across the room to Barnelli's, where you can order Italian specialties like baked Classic pasta including lasagna, baked spaghetti, baked mostaccioli, fettucini, spaghetti or double stuffed cheese ravioli. Don't forget dessert! Whether it's Malibu Rum Cake or Tiramasu, you'll please both your mouth and your wallet. Hot dogs cost around $2.00, and Italian entrees run around $7.00 - 8.00. Lunch specials are available also, but who can complain with prices like these?! If you try Portillo's once, you'll be hooked. It's the kind of place you wish you had in your hometown! |
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8. Oriental Theatre, Ford Center for the Performing Arts
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| After heading back to the hotel for a quick freshening up and a change of clothes, it's time to see "Wicked" at the Ford Center. This play is suitable for all ages and walks of life. It's the story you didn't know about the witches from the land of Oz! One of those rare musicals that keeps you captivated the entire time, you'll actually regret seeing the curtains fall! You'll walk away feeling good and telling everyone you know, "if you see one play this year, make it Wicked!" Speaking of that, it's been wicked fun these past three days, hasn't it? Grab a cab and smile all the way back to the hotel, reminding yourself that, while Chicago is indeed a great city, there truly is no place like home! |
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Compliment KitKatluvr2
